SAFE SATES: Inspire Learning: Cash Assistance for Violence Reduction
Safe States
September 1, 2026
What if one of the most effective tools for supporting individuals impacted by violence and preventing future injury isn't a program, a policy, or a policing strategy — but simply giving people money, no strings attached?
Providing direct cash transfers to individuals to cover their basic needs helps to strengthen economic and household security, reduce stress, and enhance positive outcomes, which, in turn, reduces the risk of violence and suicide (Centers for Disease Control, 2025). And, survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence report that concerns over their ability to provide financially for themselves and their children is a primary reason for staying in, or returning to, an abusive relationship (Center for Financial Security, 2011).
Across Connecticut and beyond, organizations are putting cash into the hands of people impacted by violence — from individuals at risk of intimate partner violence to hospital patients recovering from gunshot wounds — and seeing real results. A full fridge, an extended hotel stay, a paid-off debt: small amounts of unconditional cash are helping defuse conflicts, build trust, and interrupt cycles of violence before they escalate.
Join 4-CT, a Connecticut-based organization dedicated to empowering individuals in need through cash assistance, for a candid conversation with on-the-ground practitioners.
Bios:
Sarah Blanton is the CEO of 4-CT. As CEO, Sarah is able to combine her 20+ years of experience in the non-profit sector with her passion for partnering with community-based organizations and government entities to find innovative ways to address deeply entrenched social issues.
Sarah studied Sociology and Education at Dartmouth College before pursuing her JD at NYU School of Law. Following law school, Sarah served as the Derrick Bell Fellow in Constitutional Law, researching, writing and co-teaching with one of the giants of the field of law and civil rights. Sarah pursued coursework, clinical experience, internships and mentors focused on issues of child advocacy, systems reform, and racial justice which led naturally to a career in the non-profit sector as a school leader, fundraiser and administrator. She is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law at NYU School of Law co-teaching the Basic Income Lab.
Sarah serves on four non-profit boards and currently lives just outside New Haven with her children and periodically well behaved rescue dog, Frankie
James Dodington, MD, is a Yale Medicine emergency medicine doctor based in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
“I care for a wide variety of patients with medical, surgical, traumatic, and behavioral health conditions,” says Dr. Dodington.
He is committed not only to treating patients in need but also to leading injury and violence prevention education in the community. “I help lead our efforts to prevent injuries across the age spectrum, from making sure children are properly restrained in car seats to promoting firearm safety for teens and adults,” he says. “My hope is that our injury prevention messages can reach patients and families and prevent injuries before they end up in our emergency department.”
Dr. Dodington is also an Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) at Yale School of Medicine.
Erin Latham, LCSW is the Lead Victims Services Navigator for the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program at Yale New Haven Health.
With more than 20 years of experience, Erin has dedicated her career to supporting survivors of violence, with expertise in domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking survivors. In her current role, she leads program development, team training, and community partnerships, including the clinical and administrative functions for the hospital-based victim services. She also provides virtual therapeutic interventions and counseling support.
Previously, Erin served as Vice President of Clinical Services at The Children’s Center, had leadership roles at the ROOT Center, Wheeler Clinic, and True Colors, and provided counseling at Branford Clinic.
Erin earned a Master of Social Work from Springfield College.
Cecilio (Pepe) Vega is an innovative entrepreneur and program leader with over 20 years in the retail footwear and apparel industry and over a decade in leadership of community violence intervention programs.
Mr. Vega currently serves as the inaugural Violence Intervention Outreach Leader for the Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program at Yale New Haven Health, and is also trained as a nationally-certified Violence Prevention Professional. Mr. Vega has extensive experience working with youth and victims of violence services, having been employed for over ten years as an outreach worker with the City of New Haven Youth Services. His work has brought him into collaboration with local and national leaders in violence prevention and he has furthered his education graduating with both a BA and MPA in recent years.
Outside of violence intervention, he has maintained his work promoting the arts, including over 50 concerts, and collaborating with nationally recognized artists. He is a creator of independent films and a lifelong go-getter with the capacity to overcome any challenge. Mr. Vega strives to continue reaching goals he never thought possible.
Continue exploring this topic with the Ignite Conversation networking session and talk with 4-CT about cash assistance. Register for September 24 from 1:00-1:45PM EST here.
